Rectal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Stages, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

Medically Reviewed by Checkmark Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Sravanthi Sunkaraneni
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Last Updated on December 19, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Rectal cancer is a kind of cancer that occurs in the rectum. The last few inches in the large intestine are called the rectum. It usually starts at the end of the colon’s final section and terminates or ends when it reaches the anus’ short, narrow passage of the intestine. Cancer of the rectum and cancer of the colon are usually referred to as “colorectal cancer”. In many instances, rectal and colon cancers are similar, however their therapies are different. This is due to the reason that the rectum occupies a small space, usually different from other organs and structures.

Rectal cancer surgery can be difficult to perform due to the limited space of the intestine. In old days, even with treatment, long-term survival for persons with rectal cancer was uncommon in some cases.

Symptoms of Rectal Cancer

The following are some of the signs and symptoms of rectal cancer:

  1. An alteration in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or more frequent stool motions.
  2. Blood in stool that is dark maroon or bright red
  3. Stool is narrow
  4. A sense that your bowels aren’t totally empty
  5. Pain in the abdomen
  6. Unexplained weight loss
  7. Weakness or exhaustion 

Risk Factors

The same factors that enhance the risk of colon cancer also increase the chance of rectal cancer. 

  1. Older age is a risk factor for colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer can strike at any age, although the majority of people diagnosed with it are over the age of 50. Colorectal cancer rates in persons under the age of 50 have been rising, but physicians aren’t sure why.
  2. Having had colorectal cancer or polyps in the past: If you have a history of rectal cancer, colon cancer or polyps, risk of colorectal cancer increases.
  3. Inflammatory bowel disease: Chronic inflammatory illnesses of the colon and rectum, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease increases colorectal cancer. 
  4. A lack of veggies in one’s diet: A diet high in red meat and low in vegetables, may have link to colorectal cancer.
  5. Insufficient physical activity: Colorectal cancer is more likely to occur if you are inactive. Regular physical activity may help to lower your cancer risk.
  6. Diabetes: Colorectal cancer is more likely in people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
  7. Obesity: When compared to those of a healthy weight, obese people have a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
  8. Smoking: Smokers may be at an elevated risk of colorectal cancer.
  9. Consuming alcoholic beverages: Drinking more than three alcoholic beverages per week on a regular basis may raise your risk of colorectal cancer.

Stages

Stage 0: Cancer cells is discovered on the rectal lining’s surface.

Stage 1: The tumor has penetrated the lining and may have spread to the rectal wall.

Stage 2: The tumor has penetrated the rectal wall and may have spread to surrounding tissues.

Stage 3: The tumor has spread to the lymph nodes around the rectum as well as certain tissues beyond the rectal wall.

Stage 4: The tumor has spread to other organs or lymph nodes.

Causes of Rectal Cancer

  1. Rectal cancer develops when the DNA of healthy cells in the rectum undergoes mutations. The DNA of a cell includes the instructions that tell it what to do.
  2. The alterations tell the cells to grow out of control and to live even when healthy cells would die. A tumor can arise as a result of the accumulated cells. Cancer cells can grow at an extent and enough to penetrate and destroy healthy tissue nearby. Cancerous cells can also spread to other parts of the body.

Complications

The treatment of colon cancer can be possible with early diagnosis. It can be fatal or deadly in its latter stages. If cancer has spread to other places of the body, treatment will not be effective. The following are some of the side effects of rectal cancer:

  1. The colon becomes obstructed, resulting in intestinal obstruction.
  2. Cancer spreading to different tissues and organs

Diagnosis

Test involves viewing the inside of your colon and rectum using a long tube with a small camera.

  1. Biopsy: A small sample of questionable tissue is taken and sent to a lab for investigation by your healthcare professional.
  2. CT scan: This imaging test takes X-rays of your body and stitches them together to give you a thorough look of your bones, organs, and tissues.
  3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI, unlike X-rays, captures images inside your body using radio waves and magnets.
  4. PET scan (positron emission tomography): Your healthcare practitioner will ask you to swallow a specific dye containing radioactive tracers before undergoing a PET scan. (The dye may be injected or breathed in some situations.) The color draws attention to diseased spots.

Treatment

  1. Surgery: Surgical removal of cancer cells is one of the most prevalent rectal cancer therapies. Depending on unique demands, you have a few surgical options:
  2. Low anterior resection: Larger rectal tumors may necessitate whole or partial rectum excision. The anus is protected in order for waste to pass through your body normally.
  3. Abdominoperineal resection (APR): If cancer is near the anus, it may be impossible to remove it without causing damage to the muscles that govern bowel motions.
  4. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can be used to reduce a tumor before surgery or to destroy any leftover cancer cells after surgery.
  5. Radiation treatment: Radiation therapy, like chemotherapy, can be an option before or after surgery. Strong energy beams are used in radiation therapy to kill cancer cells.

Prevention of Rectal Cancer

While there is no way to completely avoid rectal cancer, there are things you may do to lower your risk.

  1. Maintain a healthy weight, for instance.
  2. Make it a habit to exercise.
  3. Consume a well-balanced and healthful diet.
  4. Stay away from alcohol.
  5. Never smoke 
  6. Some research suggest that taking a daily multivitamin with folic acid, or folate, may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer
  7. Vitamin D, which can be obtained from the sun, certain foods, or a vitamin pill, has been linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer in several studies.
  8. Low vitamin D levels have also been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer and other cancers, according to research.

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Last Updated on December 19, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on December 19, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on December 19, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on December 19, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on December 19, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Last Updated on December 19, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on December 19, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on December 19, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on December 19, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on December 19, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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